[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 78 (Friday, May 11, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1028]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN SCOTT GARRETT IN HONOR OF NATIONAL NURSES WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 10, 2007

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise to praise some of 
the most under-valued public servants in our society: American nurses. 
They are ever-present at every stage of our lives--at our birth, 
through childhood illnesses and adult traumas, and in our final days. 
Yet, while people remember the doctor who delivered their children or 
cared for their aging parents, they rarely remember the friendly, 
caring individuals who stayed by their side while busy doctors made 
rounds.
  According to the U.S. Department of Labor, registered nurses 
constitute the largest segment of the health care workforce, with more 
than 2.4 million jobs in 2006. And, they are projected to create the 
second largest number of new jobs amongst all occupations. Yet, the 
demand for nurses is far outstripping the supply and many parts of the 
Nation--from the most urban inner city to the most remote rural 
community--are experiencing extraordinary nursing shortages.
  Nursing is a noble profession, but one which is too often upstaged by 
other health care professionals and too often given little credit for 
the enormous role played in sustaining the high quality of American 
health care. As we celebrate National Nurses Week this week, let us all 
take a moment to thank the nurses in our hospitals and doctors' 
offices, nursing homes and hospices, and all throughout our communities 
for all their tremendous service.

                          ____________________